Exploring Secondary School Teachers' Experiences of Self-Harm Among Students and the Impact This Has on Them

Abstract School-based studies identify that while one in ten young people engages in self-harm, only a small minority seek professional help. School counsellors and teachers are potentially the only professionals who may be... [ view full abstract ]

Abstract
School-based studies identify that while one in ten young people engages in self-harm, only a small minority seek professional help. School counsellors and teachers are potentially the only professionals who may be aware of a young person’s self-harm, however little is known about how this impacts on them and how they might be best supported to respond to distressed students. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design to explore post-primary school teachers’ and counsellors’ experiences of and responses to self-harm. Findings indicated that participants react to self-harm in a highly emotional way with less experienced staff expressing more anxiety. Counsellors and teachers identified the need for additional time, training, and professional support to help them respond to what is a commonly occurring phenomenon. Implications for the provision of support students who self-harm are discussed.